The active research base in the School ensures that Politics staff are involved in current debates and that students are made aware of new developments and issues in this exciting area. Each research student is supported by a programme of research training and by our staff. Opportunities for research are available across a range of topics in social and political sciences. Current students' research projects include: - young people and politics - EU nuclear energy policy - the politics of food - the 1984/85 miners' strikes - fossil fuel infrastructure security in the Niger Delta - Labour Party leadership Research students can enrol for MPhil or PhD awards. These degrees are normally undertaken wholly by thesis and can be carried out either on a full-time or a part-time basis. The School aims to provide considerable support to enable students to become independent researchers. Students are required to follow a structured pattern of activity during which their progress can be monitored and encouraged. Students are allocated two supervisors and the emphasis is on providing whatever training is required. Where appropriate, additional supervisors may be provided. Students are asked to contribute to the department's research seminar series, are able to apply for funding to attend conferences, and are encouraged to publish their work wherever appropriate. Students may also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching, subject to the necessary training. Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will meet with their academic supervisors at least once a month for full-time students, and every two months for part-time students.